Product Description

Continuing to deliver expansion capabilities, the powerful and flexible HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5550 is designed to meet your handheld computing need for enhanced security and wireless connectivity both in and out of the office. Gain competitive advantage through increased mobile productivity that allows you to communicate, access, and manage information when you want. With wireless capabilities such as integrated Bluetooth and WLAN 802.11b, you can access the Internet, email, and corporate data at home, at work or on the go. Security solutions including the HP iPAQ Pocket PC's unique biometric fingerprint reader provide enhanced security protection for your device, your information and your network connection. Investment protection comes with continuity of existing platform and expansion pack support and because it's expandable, there is greater flexibility in storage and functionality. A removable battery, transflective display, and increased memory give you optimal performance. A broad range of applications, integrated wireless capabilities, enhanced security and expandability make the HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5550 essential for you to be productive at home, at work or on the go.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59253 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: FA107A#8ZQ
• Display size: 3.8

Features

• Biometric fingerprint reader
• Intel 400MHz processor
• Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC
• 12 hours of average battery use
• What's in the box: iPAQ Pocket PC, USB Desktop cradle/charger, AC Adapter, holster with belt clip, battery, getting started poster, charger adapter, hp iPAQ Pocket PC Companion CD

Amazon.com Review
The h5550 Pocket PC is Hewlett Packard’s latest, top of the range iPAQ. The hardware design is modelled very much on the similarly named h5450, and retains the stylish looks that characterize iPAQs in general.

Like the h5450, this new model has built in 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as fingerprint recognition. The latter works in conjunction with the passwording system that comes with Pocket PC as standard, to make this probably the most secure PDA you can buy.

The software inside the h5550 is the latest version of Pocket PC, which Microsoft calls Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, but which is generally becoming known by the shorthand term Pocket PC 2003. This incorporates a range of updates from the previous version, including facilities that make it easier to join wireless networks. As you come into the vicinity of a network, a notification bubble opens letting you know, and asking if you'd like to join in.

One feature the h5550 has which its predecessor lacked is a massive 128MB of RAM. This, along with the Compact Flash and SD card slots make it very well equipped for storing applications and data, and there is 20MB of ROM space set aside for making backups of key data that you want to be sure will survive a total loss of power. If you are wondering what the battery life is like, Hewlett Packard reckon you should get abut 12 hours of average use, but this will vary depending on how much you use power hungry features like wireless networking, of course. The cell is removable so if you buy a spare, you can carry a few extra hours of life for the h5550.

The h5550 has been produced with the corporate user in mind, but home users who want that extra memory, the security features, or wireless networking built-in might find it appealing too.--Sandra Vogel

From the Manufacturer
The HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5550 is the perfect choice when security, expandability, and mobile wireless connectivity1 top your list of must-have features. A biometric fingerprint reader enhances protection of your device, information, and network connection, while integrated wireless features offer convenient access to the Internet and corporate information.

Integrated biometric fingerprint reader protects the information on your Pocket PC by allowing you to easily authenticate yourself to the device using your unique fingerprint, or a combination of a PIN and/or fingerprint. Increased memory capacity (128 MB RAM) lets you store more programs and files than ever before and iPAQ File Store, up to 17 MB ROM, which allows you to store data in a safe place protected from battery discharge or device resets.

WLAN 802.11b enables high speed wireless access to the internet, email, corporate data and solutions such as voice over IP. Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology allows print to a Bluetooth equipped printer or access the Internet or your email via a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone.

Customer Reviews

Out of Service Life - No Parts Available
I bought an H5550 in April this year (2008), supposedly with 12 months warranty. A week ago it failed to turn on. I borrowed a fully charged battery, tried hard reset. Tried holding power button on for one minute as advised by HP. No go. Commenced warranty claim to be told, "this product is outside its service life. There are no more parts available for it".

Before you buy, search the web for customer reviews. You'll find its given HEAPS of trouble. It appears to have been the lemon of the range, often just dying like mine did. If you try to get it fixed you'll probably be told by HP - like I was - that they can't repair it.